News - Summer 2005
19 Nov 05 - EC SCHEDULE STILL UNCLEAR
The IBU has announced that no EC will take place in Scandinavia before WC 1, although this merely confirms the postponements announced on 7 & 11 Nov 05. It is unclear whether one or both of these two European Cups will be held after WC 1, or whether the scheduled EC 3 in Obertilliach AUT (9 - 11 Dec 05) will see the EC season under way. Watch this space!
Austria (Hochfilzen) is also due to host WC 2 (08 - 11 Dec). There are light snowfalls forecast for the next week, and there is 30 cm of snow on the upper slopes! There is a contingency to move snow from the Grossglockner Glacier, so this event should take place as scheduled.
16 Nov 05 - WORLD TEAMS SEEK SNOW
The lack of snow is playing havoc with the training plans of all the World's top biathlon teams. GBR are still in Kiruna SWE where there is just enough snow to hold selection races 17 & 19 Nov, on the not too crowded tracks.
The Russians, Norwegians and Germans have fared no better. However some of the Germans are training in Ruhpolding where 8000 cubic metres of snow was retained in special storage from last winter. 5000 cubic metres survived and a 1.5 km track has been laid. More
GBR World Cup Team
Training In Sweden
11 Nov 05 - EC 1 & 2 POSTPONED / CANCELLED
EC 2 in Idre SWE (19 - 20 Nov) has been cancelled due to the lack of snow. No decision on a replacement venue (or for EC 1) has been taken, although more information may be available by 21 Nov. This follows the postponement of European Cup 1, scheduled for 15 - 16 Nov in Torsby SWE.
The cancellation of Torsby means that the EC team will be deprived of seeing the hometown of Sven Goran Eriksson! Bet you didn't know that?
07 Nov 05 - EC 1 POSTPONED - THREAT TO EC 2 and WC 1
The severe lack of snow throughout Europe has resulted in the postponement of European Cup 1, scheduled for 15 - 16 Nov in Torsby SWE. More news concerning EC 2 in Idre SWE (19 - 20 Nov) and World Cup 1 in Östersund SWE (23 - 27 Nov) will be announced at 0900 GMT (1000 CET) Thu 10 Nov. The BBU Office will be closed that day, so for the very latest news check with www.biathlonworld.com after 0900 GMT on Thursday!
The cancellation of Torsby means that the EC team will be deprived of seeing the hometown of Sven Goran Eriksson! Bet you didn't know that?
05 Nov 05 - SNOW SHORTAGE IN SCANDINAVIA
There is virtually no snow in Scandinavia, or Central Europe, or ... (Bet the Russians & Germans have found some ...).
The training for the GBR athletes in their first full season under coach Jason SKLENAR has thus been severely disrupted. The Senior Squad was due to go to Beitostølen NOR and the National Development Squad to Vuokatti FIN. After the breakdown of the NDS Mini Bus, all the Senior and NDS athletes ended up in Idre SWE on 25 Oct, except for Marc WALKER who had joined the Swedish team way north of the Arctic Circle in Kiruna. After a week all the other Senior athletes had moved to Kiruna as well, where the conditions are marginally better than the 2 km of track in Idre. Unfortunately the NDS athletes could not afford to move to Kiruna, and will stay in Idre, which is rapidly bulking out with an influx of other Nations and many British Army teams.
Joe BROOKS is recovering from an operation and has yet to move out for on snow training. Simon HEARD spent a fruitful summer training in New Zealand but returned to the UK almost soon as he arrived in Sweden suffering from mumps. With Tom CLEMENS and Marc WALKER pre-selected for WC 1, the race is on between Lee JACKSON, Carl CARRIER and Lance HODGKINS for the final two WC relay places. Neither Carl nor Lance have yet competed at WC level, and none of the NDS athletes are yet qualified to race in WC.
21 Oct 05 - NORDIC TRAINING CAMP
Keith Jenns reports that there are still vacancies on the second Nordicblowfish camp, which will be run in Sjusjoen (Norway) from 18 Nov - 22 Dec 05. Costs 185 NOK self catering & 315 NOK full board
The camp is open to all levels (Novice to Expert) of competitive Nordic skiing. The camp offers
· On snow training
· Heart rate monitor, monitoring
· Waxing sessions
· Lectures on every aspect of training including coaching of Nordic skiers
· Biathlon coaching by 3 times Olympian Fred Gee & Wayne Kennan
NEW THIS YEAR! Indoor Anschutz biathlon air rifles for shooting practice plus Noptel.
Depending on demand a "top up" or second camp may be run over Christmas / New Year in Garmisch / Mittenwald Germany
For an information pack, send your Snail Mail address to: jennsio88@hotmail.com
05 Oct 05 - BBU PRESIDENT ELECTED CHAIRMAN BOA
Congratulations to the BBU President, Lord Colin Moynihan on his election today as Chairman of the British Olympic Association. He replaces Craig Reedie who has been in the post for 13 years, and who steps down with immediate effect.
There were two outstanding candidates in the election which was decided by the National Olympic Committee in London. David Hemery (61), Olympic gold medallist in the 400 m Hurdles at Mexico City in 1968, and Colin Moynihan (50), Olympic rowing silver medallist as cox of the Men's Eight in Moscow 1980. Colin, a former Minister for Sport, and President of the BBU since 1997 won the vote by 28 to 15 and will be a key member of the London 2012 Olympic Board. BBC Sport
PhotographJohn Gichigi/Getty.
(Guardian Unlimited)
28 Sep 05 - WADA 2006 List
The World Anti Doping Agency List for 2006 - effective 01 Jan 06 has been published. For full information see that Athlete's Page. As ever The onus is on the athlete and the punishments for failing a test are severe. IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE!
28 Sep 05 - ATHLETES LOOK NORTH
The National Squad athletes have moved to Ramsau AUT for some glacier and altitude work before their final few days of summer training in Ruhpolding. Conditions are reported to be good in Ramsau. In mid October the squad will re-assemble at Beitostølen NOR (snow permitting!) for intensive on snow training and selection races prior to the inaugural European and then World Cups.
National Coach Jason Sklenar is looking for another (automotive) coach in the form of a mini bus to help transport the squad! If you can help sponsor this, please contact us.
Having completed their final summer course at East Grange Biathlon Centre, the National Development Squad will shortly be moving to Vuokatti FIN, where they will use the amazing snow tunnel before joining the National Squad for selection races. Coach Scotty Banes and the NDS athletes have purchased the oldest van ever to pass an MOT to help them get there. Why not help them a bit with some sponsorship?
28 Sep 05 - WAITING LIST AT CAIRNGORM CLUB
Although less than a year old, Mike Dixon's Cairngorm Biathlon & Nordic Ski Club reports that there is now a waiting list for membership. Congratulations! Also congratulations to their leading athletes who have performed so well during the summer roller ski races. We look forward to see the stars of the future on snow at the British Championships. Link to CBNSC
22 Sep 05 - BBU PRESIDENT "RAISES THE BAR" WITH INDEPENDENT SPORTS REVIEW
Former Sports Ministers Lord (Colin) Moynihan, President BBU, and Kate Hoey today launched The Independent Sports Review. It is the first comprehensive, independent review of sport in the United Kingdom for over forty years. Comprising a review group of experts, ‘Raising the Bar’ seeks to embrace the principle of constructiveness. It highlights what is good about sport in the United Kingdom and it seeks to build upon the positive steps that have already been taken. Where there are failings, positive – and often radical – alternatives are proposed.
‘Raising the Bar’ is the culmination of eighteen months research and consultation from across the sporting spectrum. The Independent Sports Review has canvassed opinion from over 300 sports bodies, visited eight countries and many thousands of individuals have contributed their own views through this website
11 Sep 05 - GLASGOW HOSTS POTENTIAL OLYMPIANS
Nearly all the British Winter Sports potential Olympians for Turin 2006 assembled for a 24 hour briefing, fitting out and Olympic familiarisation weekend in Glasgow yesterday (Saturday). Hosted by the BOA, the BBU's participants were Emma FOWLER, Tom CLEMENS and Marc WALKER. These 3 comprise the BBU / BOA "short list", but obviously none of them have been selected yet, and only one of the two men has a chance of selection!
This athletes' Winter Sports Conference followed a bi-annual Winter Sports Forum, attended by National Coach Jason SKLENAR and BBU Sec Gen Mark GOODSON. Talent Development was the theme of the BOA Forum; sadly, if the finances of the BBU do not improve after Turin, it will be "Survival" not "Development" that is the name of our game.
30 Aug 05
Aubrey Fielder
It is with deep regret that we announce that Brigadier Aubrey Fielder died on Tuesday 23rd August 2005, following a short illness.
Aubrey was a member of the 1956 Olympic Cross Country Ski Team and a keen follower of biathlon, which became an Olympic sport four years later. Commissioned into the Royal Artillery he was at one time the Commandant of the Army School of Physical Training, Chairman of the Army Winter Sports Association and was a Vice President at the time of his death.
After leaving the Army he became the General Secretary of the British Ski Federation and for many years was the Editor of the AWSA Magazine. His wife Celia, is the present Editor, and to her and his family, we offer our deepest sympathy.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Light Division Chapel, Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester at 15:00 on Friday 7 October.
(Please contact the Secretary AWSA for more details)
30 Jul 05 - BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS - FULL PROGRAMME
For the detailed programme of the 2006 British National Biathlon Championships in Ruhpolding GER, please click here.
Note that this event (Ex Rucksack) also incorporates the Army & Inter Service Cross Country Championships and the Belgian National Biathlon Championships. Moreover it heralds a welcome return of most of the Snowsport GB (SSGB) National Cross Country races in all age & gender categories including Masters.
Link to the full Ex Rucksack Admin Instruction
30 Jul 05 - CHANGES TO EUROPEAN CUP RACE PROGRAMME
Although there are no known changes to the World Cup programme (see story 25 Jun) there are some minor changes to the European Cup race schedule. EC 1 and 3 will both now be Individual & Pursuit. The detailed PDF programme will be amended in due course.
30 Jul 05 - THE FIS DEVELOPING NATIONS CRITERIUM (Cross Country)
Entries are welcomed for this new event (replacing the Lowlanders Cross Country) which will be held at Jakuszyce-Szklarska Poreba (no kidding!) in Poland from 25 Feb - 04 Mar 06.
25 Jun 05 - NATIONAL TEAMS - NEW "ATHLETES" WEB PAGE
We have introduced a new page for the summer: "Athletes".
It is generally for the information of the athletes from the 3 summer squads (and lists them in full). However, it is by no means exclusive to them, nor is it a "Members" page. All news headlines will still appear on this "News & Home" page, but when the news is primarily for the athletes (eg the new BBU Anti Doping Rules, below), there will be a link to the "Athletes" Page and the full story or information.
25 Jun 05 - BBU ANTI DOPING RULES - "PLAY FAIR : 100% Me"
IMPORTANT! (replaces 30 May News item)
The final version of the BBU Anti Doping Rules has been accepted by UK Sport and is effective from 30 Jun 05.
The onus is on the athlete and the punishments for failing a test are severe. IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE!
Click for full & important information
25 Jun 05 - WORLD CUP RACE PROGRAMME IN DETAIL
The race by race programme for World Cup, European Cup, and the Olympic Winter Games 2005 - 06 has been announced by the IBU. It is however still subject to final ratification in mid July, so don't book your cheap flights yet!
Significant changes from the 30 May schedule are that both the WC and EC season will begin one week earlier and that WC 1 will switch from Hochfilzen AUT to Östersund SWE.
For the detailed programme (PDF) Click Here
Note: All timings are CET (one hour ahead of GMT)
11 Jun 05 - BIATHLON TRIPLE IN BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Many congratulations to three stalwarts of British Biathlon who were honoured in the Military Division of the Queen's Birthday Honours List today.
Colonel Andy Cowling OBE, the BBU's Director for Combined Services and Chairman Army Nordic has been appointed CBE. Lieutenant Colonel Angus Cameron, the former Secretary Army Nordic and Chief of Staff Ex Rucksack, and more recently Chief of Race at the British Championships received the MBE. The setter of many memorable Patrol Races and recently retired after 40 years service, Lieutenant Colonel Graham Wilding was also appointed MBE.
Click for the full Military List; apologies to any other biathletes we couldn't find!
04 Jun 05 - NATIONAL XC RACES RETURN TO RUHPOLDING
For the first time in 5 years, Junior Men & Ladies National Cross Country races will be held alongside the Senior Men's Races, at the Army Championships (Ex Rucksack) in Ruhpolding GER. Exact timings are to be confirmed, but the XC races are likely to fall into the first week, (27 - 31 Jan 06) before the Biathlon (02 - 07 Feb).
The Men's 15 km XC has been held at Ex Rucksack for 58 consecutive years, and the initiative of Snowsport GB (SSGB) to return most of the other races to their spiritual home is warmly welcomed by the BBU.
30 May 05 - RMA SPORTS NEW CATALOGUE
RMA Sports (UK) Ltd the official BBU suppliers of skis and clothing have launched their Winter 2005- 06 catalogue. See on line!
30 May 05 - NEW IBU TV CONTRACT 2006 - 2010
The IBU and EBU have signed a substantial new four year TV contract covering 36 World Cups with more than 200 competitions and 3 World Championships taking place during the period.
30 May 05 - BBU ANTI DOPING RULES - PLAY FAIR
IMPORTANT!
Following consultation with UK Sport (The National Anti Doping Authority), the BBU has adopted the Model Anti Doping Rules of UK Sport. These will effectively be the same for a wide range of sports within the UK and complement the IBU Rules.
Although the BBU Rules are a "Final Draft", they are effective from 01 Jun 05. They are fully compliant with the WADA Code. Whilst National Squad athletes (all of whom are subject to both in and out of competition testing) are the most affected, all athletes competing at the British Championships can be tested there. The Rules apply to coaches and support staff as well as athletes.
National Squad athletes will be required to sign acceptance of the Rules in their "Athlete Contract". Although the Rules total some 50 pages and are largely concerned with the procedural and disciplinary aspects of Testing, all athletes should be conversant with them. Military athletes found to be guilty of doping offences may also be subject to Military Disciplinary procedures. The WADA Prohibited List is a mere 10 pages long!
Click for the 01 June 05 version of BBU Anti Doping Rules (PDF)
Click for the 2005 WADA Prohibited List (PDF)
Click for Summary of Changes 2005 (PDF)
Click for Q & A on the 2005 WADA Changes (PDF) - this is particularly useful for athletes wishing to claim TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption)
The onus is on the athlete and the punishments for failing a test are severe. IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE!
Click to play the "PLAY FAIR" WADA Quiz.
30 May 05 - SNOWDOME OPENS CROSS COUNTRY CIRCUIT
Billed as the "World's only Indoor Snow Circuit" the Snowdome in Tamworth has opened a 200m skating and classical track. Click logo for more.
01 May 05 - STEPHEN HOPE RETIRES
European Cup athlete Stephen Hope has announced his retirement from International Biathlon. Steve, who is based in Sweden has competed for GBR since the 2002 - 03 season. For part of last season he was 1st reserve for the World Cup team. We wish him well for the future and hope that his enthusiasm as a "civvie" athlete will rub off on other civilians, proving that you do not have to be the Armed Forces to race for GBR.
01 May 05 - 2005 AGM MINUTES
Apologies for the delay in the publication of the Minutes of the 2005 AGM held in Ruhpolding on Sat 29 Jan 05. The President Lord Moynihan reported that there were no major contentious issues other than an ever present lack of money and dearth of sponsorship and Government backing. The Meeting largely consisted of the presentation of reports whilst the audited Accounts for the year 2003 - 04 were adopted. David Cranston was re-elected to the Board and Bill Laurence elected for the first time. At the subsequent Board Meeting, David was re-appointed Chairman and Bill the Director Development and Special Projects.
01 May 05 - THE WALKER WEDDING
Many Congratulations to Adele (née TURNER) and Marc WALKER on their marriage in Kendal on Sat 23 April.
Both are members of the World Cup Team and after the honeymoon will be straight back into training for the 2005 - 06 season.
Many thanks to Marty Watkins for the photo - like him we wonder where Marc got his medals from! Only joking Walks, because like many of the military athletes, operational tours form part of their life outside biathlon.
26 Apr 05 - NDS COURSE OPENS IN SCOTTISH SUNSHINE
Brilliant weather greeted students on the first National Development Course (NDS) of the year, which started today at East Grange Biathlon Centre near Forres SCO.
National Team Coach Jason Sklenar was on hand assisted by Course Director Gordon Seaton and Development Coach Scott Banes. The course, for the NDS "A" students ends on Thu 5 May, after which the top students will undergo testing at the Olympic Medical Institute in London and attend a Bisley shooting course.
Inevitably the good weather did not last!
07 April 05 - TICKETING ARRANGEMENTS FOR OWG TURIN 2006
Ticketing and travel arrangements for the XX Olympic Winter Games, Turin 2006 are available now on line from Sportsworld - the BOA official travel agency for the Games. Tickets for some events, including biathlon, are selling fast! The BBU regrets that it can not assist in travel or ticketing.
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